Thermodynamics could perhaps be described as the study of how heat energy moves, and what can, and can’t be achieved by that.  So to begin with, David will discuss what we mean by ‘energy’ in several contexts.  Then he will introduce and explain the laws of thermodynamics. 

Our discussion will spend time discussing the difficult topic of entropy, and the probably more accessible one of steam engines. 

There will be a special focus, however, on the all-important Second Law.  Is it really true that every well-educated person ought to be familiar with this law?  And if it is, do we think this is in fact the case?